BA Art Studio, emphasis Graphic Design

USC Upstate awards a BA Art Studio, emphasis Graphic Design degree. Recent data from The American Institute of Graphic Arts indicates that nine out of 10 graphic artists have a college degree and the most significant trend in graphic design is an extraordinary demand for good designers that far exceeds supply.

The program prepares students for careers and graduate work in the field of graphic design including illustration and web/electronic design. Students prepare skills for professional practice by integrating the content areas of design theory, production, history, criticism, and aesthetics. Coursework provides a foundation in creativity, critical thinking, and problem analysis. The curriculum integrates traditional art techniques with industry standards of digital technology. Graduates of the BA program are employed in creative departments of corporations, retail establishments, advertising/design firms, publishing and public relations firms.

MissionThe University’s mission is to promote global perspectives, support the regional employment objectives of its students, prepare students to participate as responsible citizens in a diverse, global, and knowledge-based society and pursue a lifestyle of continued learning. The primary mission ofthe Visual Arts program, BA Art Studio emphasis Graphic Design, is to support the University’s mission by improving students’ ability to be effective visual communicators and increase perception of global environments in design and consider global shifts in visual codes. The integrated content areas of design theory: production, history, criticism, and aesthetics, develops the necessary creativeand technical skills involved in graphic problem solving. Attention is paid to ethical practices, students’ roles as citizens, and the impact their designs could have on society.

GoalsStudents will be able to:• Think and write critically about art and design with reference to historical periods, movements, artists, styles, cultures,criticism, theory, and design analysis• Demonstrate knowledge and communicate art historical periods, movements, artists, styles, cultures, criticism, theory and design analysis in visual formats• Demonstrate the development and application of the skills necessary to create original designs and components of visual communication• Demonstrate the ability to apply and present verbal articulation in analysis of work

The University of South Carolina Upstate is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of USC Upstate. Comments or Complaints?